Silas Baskerville Jr.

Silas Baskerville Jr., lovingly known as "Bay" or "Bay Bruh" to family and friends, was born on March 14, 1951, in Center Moriches, New York, to the late Silas Baskerville, Sr. and Lucy Newsom Carroll. At the age of 74, experiencing health challenges, Silas peacefully transitioned on August 21, 2025.

Silas's elementary and junior high school education took place in Center Moriches, New York. In 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he earned his high school diploma. Throughout his time in the Army, Silas served with honor and distinction as a Medic, Paratrooper, Ordained Chaplain, Physical Trainer, and Army Recruiter, achieving the rank of Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, and Sergeant First Class. His dedication was recognized and awarded with the Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Deferal Length of Service Award, and the Commander General Gold Badge Award. He continued to serve as an award-winning Recruiter, earning two sapphire stars. After an Army career he could be proud of, Silas retired in June of 1991. During his military career, Silas welcomed six children: Harvey Gibbs, Silas Gibbs III, Darryl, Delba and Ezekiel Baskerville, Adam Marion, and Cidney Baskerville. He cherished each of his children deeply. Transitioning into civilian life, charismatic leadership came naturally to Silas. As a floor manager at Home Depot, a car salesman at Security Dodge Chrysler Jeep, a maintenance supervisor at Long Island Health & Racquet Club and ACLD, or a small business owner in landscaping and handiwork he embodied the same energy in every role. His personality proved to be bis most valued currency.

Anyone who knew Silas would comment he had an impeccable sense of style. He never dressed down--always wearing suits, hats, shoes, all perfectly coordinated and accessorized. He believed that everything had its place, and he found joy in details of gardening, tinkering, cleaning, and especially ironing. He adored a crisp crease in every shirt and pants. Silas had a deep love for music and dancing. He had a gift for making people laugh and smile. His love language was acts of service and was demostrated through thoughtful, tangible gestures.

In May of 2012, Silas met the love of his life, Corliss Groves, and her son, Ronald. He fell in love instantly and married Corliss on December 12, 2012. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, music, and love, welcoming their son, Kaden, in 2014. Worshiping together, entertaining, dancing, and singing to each other are memories to be cherished forever. Silas rededicated his life to the Lord and faithfully served as armorbearer to Bishop Howard Kennedy at St. Paul Kingdom City. In 2015, Silas, Corliss, and Kaden became members of Bethel Christian Center under the leadership of Bishop Derek K. Price and Pastor Jean Price, culminating in Silas being ordained as a Deacon on June 22, 2018. Serving as a driver, armorbearer, buildings and grounds maintenance at Bethel was a source of pride until his health declined.

Silas is survived by his devoted wife, Corliss; children Harvey Gibbs (Tanya), Silas Gibbs, Darryl Baskerville, Delba Baskerville, Ezekiel Baskerville, Adam Marion (Wendy), and Cidney Baskerville; Curtis Groves, Ronald Smith (Paulasia), and Kaden Baskerville. Siblings Matthew "Butch" Baskerville, Joan Baskerville, Valorie Briscoe, Mona, Lisa Tardd (Eric Tardd, deceased), and Voneice Baskerville (David). He was predeceased in death by his sister, Shirley Cannady. Silas leaves behind fifteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as extended family: Margaret Groves (sister-in-law), Tracey, Savannah, and Noah Parker, Clifton and Shakeara Johnson, Daunte Pinkney, his Bethel Christian Center family and a host of beloved family, friends and neighbors.

Silas lived a life full of purpose, love, and service. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Bethel Christian Center, 5715 Merrick Rd, Massapequa, New York, on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A religious service will follow at the same venue from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for September 8, 2025, at 10:30 am at Bethel Christian Center, 5715 Merrick Road, Massapequa, New York. Interment to follow with full military honors at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton, New York.